Trump slams Biden's last-minute pardons as shielding 'bad crimes'

Biden said the pardons were to shield his family from "politically motivated attacks" and did not imply guilt

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Former US President Donald Trump has slammed the last-minute pardons issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden, describing them as shielding individuals “guilty of very bad crimes.”

Addressing supporters shortly after his inauguration at the US Capitol, Trump criticised Biden's eleventh-hour move to pardon family members, including his brothers James and Frank Biden, and sister Valerie Biden Owens. The pardons, Biden said, aimed to protect his relatives from "politically motivated attacks," clarifying they did not imply guilt.

Biden also pardoned high-profile figures, including Covid response leader Anthony Fauci and members of the 6 January Capitol riot investigation team, citing the need to prevent "politically motivated prosecutions." The outgoing president defended his decision, emphasising their "tireless commitment" to public service.

Trump, who had frequent clashes with Dr Fauci during the pandemic, hinted at potential action against his perceived “enemies from within.” He has long accused the Biden family of corruption, although a 2023 Republican-led investigation found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.